JAMMU, Jun 4: Senior BJP leader and former Minister Bali Bhagat today launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference legislators, accusing them of neglecting governance and public welfare while remaining obsessed with political theatrics over statehood.
Reacting to the day-long meeting of National Conference MLAs and MPs at Dachigam National Park, Bhagat said the gathering appeared more like a political picnic than a serious review of the challenges confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Reports indicate that the meeting culminated in a decision to stage a protest in New Delhi during Parliament’s Monsoon Session demanding restoration of statehood.
“People expected the Chief Minister and his MLAs to discuss unemployment, drinking water shortages, electricity problems, deteriorating road connectivity, healthcare deficiencies, inflation and developmental issues. Instead, they were taken on what appears to be a political excursion to Dachigam to discuss how to save the National Conference’s declining credibility,” Bhagat said.
The former Minister alleged that the National Conference government has spent months making excuses and raising the statehood issue while failing to provide even basic amenities and effective governance to the people.
“Statehood has become a convenient shield behind which Omar Abdullah is hiding his government’s failures. Every time the public raises questions about development, employment, roads, power supply or administrative inefficiency, the NC leadership starts crying about statehood. Governance cannot be postponed indefinitely under the pretext of constitutional demands,” he said.
Bhagat said even before the meeting there was widespread political speculation that it was being convened amid growing dissatisfaction among legislators and discussions surrounding a possible cabinet expansion.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir did not elect this government merely to pass resolutions and organise protests. They elected it to govern. If after months in office the government’s biggest achievement is planning demonstrations in Delhi, it is an admission of administrative failure,” he remarked.
Taking a swipe at the secrecy surrounding the Dachigam gathering, Bhagat said the manner in which legislators were transported from the Chief Minister’s residence to the park generated more curiosity than confidence among the public. Reports described it as a secretive off-site strategy session attended by NC legislators and allied members.
“The government should spend less time on political tourism and more time addressing the day-to-day hardships of common citizens. Roads are in poor condition in many areas, unemployment remains a major concern, and public grievances are mounting. Yet the ruling party appears more interested in photo opportunities and political messaging,” Bhagat said.
He asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has consistently maintained that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time, while simultaneously ensuring unprecedented development, infrastructure creation and democratic empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The National Conference should first demonstrate that it can effectively run the administration entrusted to it. Instead of holding picnics and political camps, Omar Abdullah and his MLAs must focus on delivering results for the people who voted them into office,” Bhagat added.
Bhagat concluded by stating that Jammu and Kashmir needs governance, accountability and development, not endless political drama aimed at diverting attention from the government’s inability to fulfil its promises.